Foldable Safety Helmet

ABSTRACT

A helmet includes a concave interior surface forming an interior space configured to receive a person&#39;s head in an expanded configuration and a shell surrounding the interior space. The shell may include a first hinge at a first predetermined location on the shell configured to allow a first portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interior space in a collapsed configuration, and a second hinge at a second predetermined location configured to allow a second portion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portion of the helmet in the collapsed configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/401,873, filed Sep. 29, 2016, entitled“Collapsible LED-Lit Safety Helmet,” which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, according to some embodiments, relates to headprotection devices. In some embodiments, the present invention relatesparticularly to safety helmets, for example, cycling helmets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safety helmets are worn to protect a person's head from injury and areused in a variety of settings, including transportation, sports andrecreation, military and law enforcement, and construction. Cyclinghelmets, for example, are designed to attenuate blunt force impacts tothe heads of cyclists in the event of falls or crashes. In some cases,the use of a cycling helmet may reduce the chance of a serious headinjury by 50% or more. Despite the health and safety benefits providedby these helmets, many cyclists, particularly adult cyclists, elect notto wear a helmet while cycling, a choice which exposes them to a greaterrisk of injury or death. An overwhelming majority of the cyclists whodie in cycling accidents were not wearing helmets at the time.

Many safety helmets are large and bulky, and the inconvenience of havingto carry and store such helmets may deter people from utilizing them.For example, most commercially available cycling helmets have a rigidshape, and their unwieldy form and size may prevent them from fittingeasily into a backpack, briefcase, messenger bag, handbag, or other handluggage. Accordingly, after a cyclist has completed her or his ride,such a helmet must be separately carried or left behind (e.g., with thebicycle) where the helmet may be subject to theft, damage, and/or harshenvironmental conditions (e.g., heat, wind, condensation, precipitation,etc.) if outside. In addition, some people may object to the appearance,style, or fit of typical cycling helmets and therefore avoid wearingthem.

Such factors not only affect cyclists. Rather, individuals who engage inother recreational and/or riding activities such as, for example, skateboarding, roller skating/blading, animal riding (e.g., horsebackriding), skiing, snowboarding, etc., may also be deterred from wearingsafety helmets for the same or similar reasons. In some cases, peoplemay avoid cycling or other such activities all together because they donot wish to wear a typical safety helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments, provides a safety helmetthat overcomes one or more of the shortcomings discussed above. In someembodiments, the present invention provides a helmet, for example acycling helmet, which may be collapsed or folded into a more compactform when not in use for easier transport and storage. In furtherembodiments, a helmet according to the present invention may also becustomizable such that its appearance may be easily modified to suit itsuser's tastes and style.

In some embodiments, a helmet according to the present inventionincludes a concave interior surface forming an interior space configuredto receive a person's head in an expanded configuration and a shellsurrounding the interior space. In some embodiments, the shell includesa first hinge configured to allow a first portion of the helmet to pivottoward the interior space in a collapsed configuration. In someembodiments, the shell further includes a second hinge configured toallow a second portion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portionof the helmet in the collapsed configuration. The first and secondhinges may be located at different predetermined locations on the shell.Moreover, a volume of the interior space of the helmet in the collapsedconfiguration may be substantially less than a volume of the interiorspace of the helmet in the expanded configuration.

In further embodiments, the shell may include a third hinge configuredto allow a third portion of the helmet to fold toward the interior spacein the collapsed configuration. In some such embodiments, the secondhinge may be configured to allow the second portion of the helmet topivot toward the first portion of the helmet and the third portion ofthe helmet in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, thefirst and third hinges each have an axis of rotation generally parallelto one another and generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of thesecond hinge. In some particular embodiments, the second portion of thehelmet includes a front of the helmet and/or a rear of the helmet, thefirst portion of the helmet is a first side of the helmet, and the thirdportion of the shell is a second side of the helmet opposite the firstside of the helmet. In yet further embodiments, the helmet includes asecurement configured to releasably couple the front of the helmet tothe rear of the helmet and retain the helmet in the collapsedconfiguration. The securement may include, for example, an elastic band.

In certain embodiments, the shell includes a plurality of grooves formedon an inner surface of the shell to form a plurality of facets, thefacets being partially pivotable relative to one another to allow theshell to at least partially flatten in the collapsed configuration. Insome embodiments, all of or at least most of the facets are triangularlyshaped. In some such embodiments, the shell has a first thickness alongthe plurality of grooves, and a second thickness at the plurality offacets, the first thickness being less than the second thickness. Insome embodiments, the shell is comprised of a monolithic piece of moldedplastic, the first and second hinges being formed from portions of theshell which are thinner than a remainder of the shell. In someembodiments, the first, second, and third hinges are living hingesformed by different grooves on the inner surface of the shell.

In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a plurality of padscoupled to the inner surface of the shell and configured to absorb animpact force exerted to an exterior surface of the helmet. In some suchembodiments, the pads may be spaced from each other by a gap which isgenerally aligned with one or more of the grooves formed on the innersurface of the shell. The pads, in some embodiments, may be made fromurethane. In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a coverconfigured to extend over an outer surface of the shell. In someembodiments, the cover extends over the shell and the plurality of pads.In some embodiments, the cover is comprised of a first material coveringthe outer surface of the shell and a second material covering theplurality of pads.

In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a retention systemhaving one or more straps configured to secure the helmet to theperson's head. In some embodiments, each strap of the retention systemis releasably coupled to a ring coupled to the helmet, each strap havingan end which extends through the ring and is coupled to itself by areversible fastener. In yet further embodiments, the helmet may includeone or more lights positioned on an exterior surface of the helmet. Theone or more lights may include, for example, light emitting diodes.

A helmet according to further embodiments of the present inventionincludes a shell having an inner surface forming a concave shape aroundan interior space configured to receive a person's head in an expandedconfiguration, the inner surface including a plurality of groovesintersecting one another to form a plurality of facet sections, theplurality of facet sections being pivotable relative to one another. Insome such embodiments, a first groove of the plurality of grooves formsa first hinge configured to allow a first side portion of the helmet topivot toward the interior space in a collapsed configuration, a secondgroove of the plurality of grooves forms a second hinge configured toallow a second side portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interiorspace, and a third groove of the plurality of grooves forms a thirdhinge configured to allow a front portion of the helmet to pivot towarda rear portion of the helmet to reduce a volume of the interior space inthe collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the first, second andthird grooves extend deeper into the inner surface than the remainder ofthe plurality of grooves such that folding of the helmet occursprimarily about the first, second and third hinges. In some embodiments,the helmet also includes a plurality of pads coupled to an insidesurface of the shell and configured to absorb an impact force exerted toan exterior surface of the shell. In some embodiments, the helmetfurther includes a cover extending over and generally conforming to theshape of the shell and the plurality of pads.

In further embodiments, a helmet according the present inventionincludes a shell having an inner surface forming a concave shape aroundan interior space configured to receive a person's head, the shell beingmade from a high density polyethylene, and a plurality of pads coupledto an inside surface of the shell and configured to absorb an impactforce exerted to an exterior surface of the shell, the pads comprising aurethane foam (e.g., a cellular or microcellular urethane foam). In someembodiments, the shell includes or consists of a monolithic piece ofmolded high density polyethylene. In some embodiments, the shellincludes a first hinge configured to allow a first portion of the helmetto pivot toward the interior space in a collapsed configuration. In someembodiments, the shell further includes a second hinge configured toallow a second portion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portionof the helmet in the collapsed configuration, a volume of the interiorspace of the helmet in the collapsed configuration being less than avolume of the interior space of the helmet in the expandedconfiguration. In yet further embodiments, the shell includes aplurality of grooves formed on the inner surface of the shell to form aplurality of facets, the facets being partially pivotable relative toone another to allow the shell to at least partially flatten in acollapsed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofembodiments of the present invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood,however, that the invention can be embodied in different forms and thusshould not be construed as being limited to the illustrated embodimentsset forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing the front and left-side of ahelmet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inan expanded configuration;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the rear and right-side ofthe helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is front elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the left-side of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the right-side of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exploded bottom, rear perspective view of the helmet ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are a perspective views showing a helmet according to anembodiment of the present invention being transitioned into a collapsedconfiguration;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are a side views of the helmet of FIGS. 10 and 11 in thecollapsed configuration according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a helmet shell showing an interior ofthe helmet shell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the helmet shell of FIG. 14taken across the plane designated by line FIG. 15-FIG. 15; and

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of thehelmet shell of FIG. 15 designated by the circle labeled FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying Figures, in which representativeembodiments are shown. The present subject matter can, however, beembodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are providedto describe and enable one of skill in the art. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-13 ahelmet, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Helmet 100 is configured to be wornon a person's head during use and to protect the person's head frominjuries. More particularly, helmet 100 in some embodiments isconfigured to surround at least a portion of the person's neurocraniumand to absorb mechanical energy in order to attenuate impacts to thehead, for example, blunt impact forces. In the event of an impact, forexample, helmet 100 may prevent direct contact between the person's headand the impacting object and, in some embodiments, be configured tospread the area over which the forces of the impact reach the person'shead to prevent forces being concentrated on small areas of the skull.In further embodiments, helmet 100 may also be configured to reduce theacceleration/deceleration to the person's head caused by the impact. Insome embodiments, helmet 100 may be configured to be worn by a personwhile riding a pedal-driven vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, tricycle,unicycle, or other cycling devices), skateboard, roller skates orblades, horse or other animal, scooter, wheelchair, or other mode oftransportation. In some embodiments, helmet 100 is configured to meet orsurpass all of the requirements of at least one of or at least all ofthe following standards: ANSI Standard Z90.4; ASTM Standard F1447-12;Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. Helmet Safety Standards (e.g., B-90,B-90A, B-95, B-95A, or B-90/95C standards); U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission (CPSC) standard published in U.S. Code of Federal Regulations(C.F.R.) Title 16, Part 1203 (effective Mar. 10, 1999); EuropeanStandard EN 1078:2012; or British Standard BS EN 1078:2012+A1:2012, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Helmet100, in further embodiments, may be configured to meet the applicablestandards for use in sports, industrial/construction settings, lawenforcement/military purposes, or other environments.

As will be described further herein, helmet 100 in certain preferredembodiments includes an expanded configuration where helmet 100 is readyto be worn by a person, and a collapsed configuration where helmet 100is at least partially compacted for easier carrying and/or stowage.FIGS. 1-8 provide different views of helmet 100 in an expandedconfiguration according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In the expanded configuration, helmet 100 is sized and shapedto cover at least a portion of the person's head when in use. In somesuch embodiments, helmet 100 in the expanded configuration may include asubstantially domed-shape arrangement and be sized to extend from theuser's forehead, over the user's scalp, and to a rear of the user's headwhen worn. In some embodiments, helmet 100 is not configured to coverthe user's face or obstruct the user's central and/or peripheral vision.In some such embodiments, for example, helmet 100 does not include anoutwardly projecting brim or bill. In some embodiments, helmet 100 mayalso not be configured to cover the user's ears during use, which couldotherwise interfere with the user's hearing.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, helmet 100 generally includes afront portion 102 configured to cover a person's forehead during use, arear portion 104 configured to cover a portion of the back of theperson's head during use, a left portion 106 configured to cover aportion of the left side of the person's head during use, and a rightportion 108 configured to cover a portion of the right side of theperson's head during use. Helmet 100 further includes an exteriorsurface 110 which extends from front portion 102 to rear portion 104 andfrom left portion 106 to right portion 108, and an interior surface 112opposite exterior surface 110. Exterior surface 110, in someembodiments, may have a generally convex contour when helmet 100 is inthe expanded configuration. In some such embodiments, exterior surface110 may have a continuous convexly curved contour. In some embodiments,exterior surface 110 may have a generally smooth curvature. In otherembodiments, exterior surface 110 may have one or more substantiallyflat portions. In some embodiments, exterior surface 110 may include aplurality of flat or substantially flat polygonal portions (e.g.,triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) which are arranged in atiled, tessellated, or faceted manner to make up exterior surface 110.In some such embodiments, all of or substantially all of exteriorsurface 110 is made of tiled polygonal shapes (e.g., triangles).

In some embodiments, interior surface 112 includes a concave contourwhich, in the expanded configuration, defines an interior space 114 thatis sized and shaped to receive the person's head. In some examples, inthe expanded configuration, helmet 100 may a length from front portion102 to rear portion 104 of about 13 inches to about 15.5 inches, 13.5inches to about 15 inches, or about 14 inches to about 14.5 inches. Infurther examples, in the expanded configuration, helmet 100 may have awidth from left portion 106 to right portion 108 of about 12 inches toabout 14.5 inches, about 12.5 inches to about 14 inches, or about 13inches to about 13.5 inches. It should be appreciated that helmet 100may have smaller or larger dimensions in other embodiments and are notnecessarily limited to the example values mentioned. Helmet 100 may bemade in different sizes, for example, to accommodate for differences inthe intended users (e.g., different sizes for children and adults,different sizes for women and men, etc.).

Interior surface 112 may have a continuously curved contour in someembodiments. In some embodiments, helmet 100 further includes a rim 116that borders interior space 114 and which is sized to encircle theperson's head when helmet 100 is worn. In some embodiments, rim 116defines a boundary between external surface 110 and interior surface112. In some embodiments, rim 116 includes a front rim section 116 a ator proximate to front portion 102 and a rear rim section 116 b at orproximate to rear portion 104. In some embodiments, when worn by a user,rear rim section 116 b is configured to be positioned lower along theuser's head than front rim section 116 a. Thus, in some embodiments,rear portion 104 is configured to cover a larger surface of the user'shead than front portion 102. In further embodiments, rim 116 may includeconcave rim sections 116 c, 116 d positioned at or proximate left andright portions 106, 108, respectively. Concave rim sections 116 c, 116 dare situated along rim 116 between front rim section 116 a and rear rimsection 116 b. In some embodiments, concave rim sections 116 c, 116 dare shaped and sized to provide clearance to a user's ears when helmet100 is being worn by the user.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-8, helmet 100 may include a retention system118 according to some embodiments which is configured to assist infastening helmet 100 onto a person's head during use. Retention system118, in some embodiments, includes a strap 120 which is sized andconfigured to wrap under a person's chin during use. In someembodiments, strap 120 may be made of, for example, leather, webbing, orother flexible yet sturdy material. In some embodiments, strap 120 ismade from a substantially inelastic material such that strap 120 doesnot substantially stretch. Strap 120, in some embodiments, includes aleft strap portion 122 configured to be secured to left portion 106 anda right strap portion 124 configured to be secured to right portion 108.In some embodiments, left strap portion 122 may be coupled to rightstrap portion 124 by a clasp or buckle 126, for example, a snap-fit orquick-release buckle. In further embodiments, left strap portion 122and/or right strap portion 124 includes an adjustment buckle 128 a, 128b through which strap 120 may be slid to allow for the length of strap120 to be adjusted.

In some embodiments, strap 120 may be configured to be removably securedto helmet 100 such that the user may remove strap 120 from helmet 100.In some embodiments, allowing strap 120 to be removed permits the userto wash strap 120 or to replace strap 120, for example, if strap 120becomes worn or damaged. Moreover, in some embodiments, allowing strap120 to be removed also permits the user to change to a different coloror style of strap 120 for personalization and customization. In someembodiments, retention system 118 includes one or more left tabs 130 a,130 b to which left strap portion 122 may be releaseably coupled, andone or more right tabs 132 a, 132 b to which right strap portion 124 maybe releaseably coupled. In some embodiments, each of the one or moreleft tabs 130 a, 130 b is securely attached to left portion 106 ofhelmet 100 and includes a ring (e.g., a D-ring) through which an end ofleft strap portion 122 is looped and secured to itself via a reversiblefastener 134 a, 134 b. Similarly, in some embodiments, each of the oneor more right tabs 132 a, 132 b is securely attached to right portion108 of helmet 100 and includes a ring (e.g., a D-ring) through which anend of right strap portion 124 is looped and secured to itself via areversible fastener 136 a, 136 b. Reversible fasteners 134 a, 134 b, 136a, 136 b may include, for example, snap fasteners, clips, buttons,hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic clasps, etc., which preferably can befastened and unfastened by hand without the need for or use of anyadditional tools.

In further embodiments, helmet 100 may include at least one signalingdevice 138 configured to produce one or more signals. The one or moresignals may be configured to alert others of the presence of the user.For example, in some embodiments, the one or more signals may includeone or more visual signals (e.g., constant and/or flashing lights) whichare configured to make the user more visible to others, particularly atnight or in other low-light environments. In some such embodiments, theat least one signaling device 138 may be positioned on or extend fromexterior surface 110. In some embodiments, the at least one signalingdevice 138 is positioned at or proximate rear portion 104 of helmet 100and includes one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes)which are configured to produce the one or more light signals. In otherembodiments, front portion 102, left portion 106, and/or right portion108 may also or alternatively include a signaling device. The at leastone signaling device 138 may further include a battery (e.g., buttoncell) for providing power to the lights, circuitry for controllingoperation of the light sources, and a housing for containing theinternal components of signaling device 138. The housing may include atransparent or translucent window to allow the light produced by the oneor more light sources to be visible externally according to someembodiments. The transparent or translucent window may include, forexample, a lens, light diffuser, light filter (e.g., a color filter) orother optical element that is configured to modify the light produced bythe one or more light sources. In some embodiments, the housing of theat least one signaling device 138 may be waterproof to prevent waterfrom entering the at least one signaling device 138. In someembodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 may further includean on/off switch or button that can be activated by user. In someembodiments, for example, the at least one signaling device 138 isconfigured to be activated by the user by pressing signaling device 138.The at least one signaling device 138 may be permanently attached toexterior surface 110. In other embodiments, the at least one signalingdevice 138 may be removably secured to exterior surface 110, e.g., via ahook-and-loop fastener or other reversible fastener. In someembodiments, exterior surface 110 includes a track to which the at leastone signaling device 138 may be slid on and off.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown an exploded view of helmet 100according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Asillustrated, in some embodiments, helmet 100 may include two or moredistinct layers. In some embodiments, helmet 100 includes a shell 140and an impact attenuation layer 142. Shell 140, in some embodiments, isconfigured to provide a support structure to helmet 100 which may givehelmet 100 its overall shape. In some embodiments, as will be furtherdescribed herein, shell 140 may be at least partially folded orflattened when helmet 100 is in the collapsed configuration. In someembodiments, shell 140 may be made, for example, of a monolithic pieceof molded plastic. In some embodiments, shell 140 may be made, forexample, of a monolithic piece of molded recyclable plastic. In someembodiments, shell 140 may be made, for example, of a monolithic pieceof molded thermoplastic. In some embodiments, shell 140 is comprised ofor consists of polyethylene, for example, high-density polyethylene(HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD). In some such embodiments,shell 140 is made from a HDPE having a density of at least 0.92 g/cm³,for example, about 0.93 g/cm³ to about 0.97 g/cm³. In some suchembodiments, shell 140 is made from a HDPE having a density greater than0.94 g/cm³.

In some embodiments, shell 140 includes an inner surface 144 configuredto couple with impact attenuation layer 142, and an outer surface 146opposite inner surface 144. In some such embodiments, inner surface 144may form a generally concave shape around interior space 114 of helmet100. Outer surface 146 may have a generally convex shape in someembodiments. In some embodiments, shell 140 may have a thickness betweeninner surface 144 and outer surface 146 ranging, for example, from about1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, from about 1.1 mm to about 1.9 mm, from about1.2 mm to about 1.8 mm, from about 1.3 mm to about 1.7 mm, or from about1.4 mm to about 1.6 mm. In some embodiments, shell 140 includes athickness less than 1.0 mm, e.g., from about 0.1 mm to about 0.9 mm. Insome embodiments, shell 140 may have an uneven thickness. In someembodiments, shell 140 may be provided with one or more thinnedsections, e.g., in the form of grooves along inner surface 144, formingpredetermined hinges or fold lines which may be configured to allowportions of shell 140 to flex or bend along the thinned sections as willbe described further herein. Portions of shell 140 between the thinnedsections may have a greater thickness than the thinned sections.

In some embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 includes a pluralityof pads 148 which are configured to couple to inner surface 144 of shell140 and surround interior space 114 and the user's head during use. Insome embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 includes at least twopads 148, at least three pads 148, at least four pads 148, at least fivepads 148, at least six pads 148, at least seven pads 148, or at leasteight pads 148. In some embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142includes eight or up to eight pads 148. Each pad 148 may be configuredto couple to a different location on inner surface 144. In someembodiments, pads 148 are made from a material which is configured toabsorb or attenuate an impact force which strikes external surface 110of helmet 100 during use. Pads 148, in some embodiments, may include orbe made from a cushioning or foam material such as, for example, aurethane foam. In one embodiment, the pads 148 are comprised of acellular or microcellular urethane foam, for example, available underthe tradename PORON® (e.g., PORON® XRD™ extreme impact protectionmaterial, PORON® ShockPad Foam, PORON® 4701-40, PORON® 4701-50, PORON®4701-60). Pads 148 may be made from other shock-absorbing materialsknown in the art. In some embodiments, pads 148 include or are made froma silicone or silicone-based material, for example, under the tradenameDEFLEXION™. In some embodiments, pads 148 include or are made ashear-thickening material. In some embodiments, pads 148 includes or ismade from an elastomer having rate-sensitive stress vs. straincharacteristics, for example, having a resistance to force thatincreases with the speed of impact against the material. In one exampleembodiment, pads 148 may include or be made from D3O® elastomer. In someembodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 does not include expandedpolystyrene.

In some embodiments, each pad 148 may have a thickness of, for example,about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, or about 7mm. In some embodiments, each pad 148 has a thickness that is less than6 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 4 mm. In some embodiments, pads 148are separate from one another and may be configured to move relative toeach other. In certain embodiments, each pad 148 may be configured tocouple to inner surface 144 of shell 140 using one or more fasteningelements 150 which couple to corresponding fastening elements 152provided on inner surface 144. For example, in some embodiments thefastening elements 150, 152 may form a hook-and-loop type fastener,magnetic fastener, snap fastener, or other type of fastener. In someembodiments, pads 148 are not rigidly fixed to inner surface 144.Rather, in some embodiments, pads 148 may be configured to shift or moveslightly relative to shell 140 in the event of an impact which, in someinstances, may help better absorb or distribute the force of the impact.

In some embodiments, helmet 100 may also be configured to withstand morethan one impact. For example, many typical safety helmets (e.g., typicalcycling helmets) rely on a layer of expanded polystyrene for impactattenuation. However, such a material may crack after only a singleimpact such that the helmet cannot be safely reused. In someembodiments, the materials selected for pads 148 are sufficientlyelastic or resilient to be able to return to their original form afteran impact such that helmet 100 may be reused after an impact. In furtherembodiments, the combination of shell 140 and impact attenuation layer142 as described herein allows helmet 100 to perform better at impactattenuation than most typical cycling helmets using a layer of expandedpolystyrene. In some embodiments, a helmet in accordance withembodiments of the present invention may have an impact attenuationability of at least 2 times or at least 2.5 times better than a typicalcycling helmet using expanded polystyrene. In further embodiments, thecombination of shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 as describedherein is capable of providing the same or better impact attenuationthan a typical cycling helmet using expanded polystyrene while beingthinner than the typical cycling helmet using expanded polystyrene.

In some embodiments, helmet 100 further includes a cover 154 which issized and configured to fit around shell 140 and impact attenuationlayer 142. In some embodiments, cover 154 provides the exterior surface110 and the interior surface 112 of helmet 100 when cover 144 is fittedaround shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments,shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 are substantially orcompletely concealed by cover 154 when cover 154 is fitted around shell140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, a user's headis separated from impact attenuation layer 142 and/or shell 140 by cover154 during use of helmet 100. In some embodiments, the at least onesignaling device 138 may be secured to cover 154. In some embodiments,the at least one signaling device 138 may be removably coupled to cover154. In some embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 issecurable directly to shell 140 and cover 154 is provided with anopening configured to allow the at least one signaling device 138 toextend therethrough. In some embodiments, tabs 130 a, 130 b, 132 a,and/or 132 b of retention system 118 may be secured to shell 140 andconfigured to extend through cover 154, e.g., via slots provided incover 154. In other embodiments, tabs 130 a, 130 b, 132 a, and/or 132 bof retention system 118 may be secured instead to cover 154.

In some embodiments, cover 154 includes a fabric or textile sleeve thatis configured to form a snug fit around and conform to the shape ofshell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, cover154 may include a first material configured to cover outer surface 146of shell 140 and a second material configured to cover inner surface 144and/or impact attenuation layer 142 when cover 154 is fitted aroundshell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, firstmaterial lines exterior surface 110 of helmet 100 and the secondmaterial lines interior surface 112 of helmet 100. The first materialmay be the same as or different than the second material. In someembodiments, the first material may be, for example, a durable canvas,denim, duck cloth, twill cloth, cotton, or linen material while thesecond material may be a softer textile for improved comfort to theuser. The first and/or second materials, in some embodiments, may beconstructed from synthetic materials, preferably a recyclable andabrasion-resistant material (e.g., a polyethylene woven textile). Insome embodiments, the first material and the second material are thesame material, but each is produced with a different texture and/orusing a different weave. For example, in some embodiments, the firstmaterial is made from a plain weave while the second material is madewith a satin weave. In some embodiments, the first material is made witha lower thread count than the second material. In some embodiments, thefirst material has a coarser texture than the second material. In someembodiments, cover 154 includes a breathable fabric which is configuredto allow water vapor to pass. In some embodiments, cover 154 includes abreathable fabric which is configured to allow water vapor to passthrough while repelling liquid water (e.g., a stretchedpolytetrafluoroethylene fabric). In some embodiments, second material ofcover 154, which is disposed between the user's head and impactattenuation layer 142 during use, may comprise a wicking materialconfigured to draw moisture away from the user's head. In someembodiments, the first material may also be treated to be water/stainresistant, include reflective, retroreflective, or high visibilitymaterials, decorated with decals or stickers, printed or stitched withvarious logos or designs, and/or otherwise customized by the user. Insome embodiments, cover 154 may be removable from the rest of helmet 100to allow for washing of cover 154 or replacement of cover 154. In someembodiments, having cover 154 be removable permits the user to change toa different color or style of cover 154 for further personalization andcustomization. In some embodiments, cover 154 includes an opening 156through which shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 may be insertedor removed. In some embodiments, opening 156 is configured to bepositioned at or proximate rear portion 104 of helmet 100 and/or rearrim section 116 b, though opening 156 may be located at other locationson cover 154 according to other embodiments. Opening 156 may, in someembodiments, include a zipper closure, hook-and-loop closure, snapclosure, or other closure device for closing opening 156 after shell 140and impact attenuation layer 142 are inserted into cover 154.

As previously discussed, helmet 100 in certain preferred embodiments isable to transition from the expanded configuration to a collapsedconfiguration in order to provide a more compact form for storage ortransport when helmet 100 is not in use. Helmet 100 may also betransitioned from the collapsed configuration back to the expandedconfiguration when helmet 100 is ready to be used. For example, a helmet100 according to an embodiment of the present invention having a frontto back length of about 14.5 inches and a left to right width of 13inches in the expanded configuration may be folded in the collapsedconfiguration to have a length of about 5 inches, a width of about 7.5inches, and a thickness of 4.5 inches. In some embodiments, the distancebetween front portion 102 and rear portion 104 in the collapsedconfiguration is less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, lessthan 35%, less than 30%, less than 25%, or less than 20% of the distancebetween front portion 102 and rear portion 104 in the expandedconfiguration. In some embodiments, the distance between left portion106 and right portion 108 in the collapsed configuration is less than90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, lessthan 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, orless than 40 the distance between left portion 106 and right portion 106in the expanded configuration.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of helmet 100 may be foldedand/or flattened to collapse helmet 100. In some embodiments, shell 140provides one or more hinges about which portions of helmet 100 may befolded to collapse helmet 100. The one or more hinges may be located atpredetermined locations on shell 140 and helmet 100. The one or morehinges may be aligned with spaces or gaps between pads 148 of the impactattenuation layer 142. In some such embodiments, pads 148 are configuredto move or pivot with respect to each other about the one or morehinges. As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, in some embodiments helmet 100includes a first hinge 158 configured to allow a first portion of helmet100 to fold inward toward and/or into interior space 114 of helmet 100.In some such embodiments, first hinge 158 allows the first portion toform a concave fold such that a concavity is formed between externalsurfaces of the first portion. Thus, in some embodiments, the firstportion may have a convex external contour when helmet 100 is in theexpanded configuration and a concave external contour when helmet 100 isin the collapsed configuration. The first portion may be, in someembodiments, one of front portion 102, rear portion 104, left portion106, right portion 108, or a section thereof.

In the illustrated embodiments, the first portion is shown as leftportion 106 or a section thereof. First hinge 158, in some suchembodiments, may extend from rim 116 between adjacent sections 106 a and106 b of left portion 106 which are configured to pivot toward eachother about first hinge 158. In some embodiments, first hinge 158defines an axis of rotation that may be vertical or generally verticalbetween adjacent sections 106 a and 106 b of left portion 106. In someembodiments, sections 106 a and 106 b may be pivoted about first hinge158 such that an external surface of section 106 a faces toward and/orcontacts an external surface of section 106 b. As sections 106 a and 106b are folded toward each other about first hinge 158, first hinge 158moves inwardly and draws sections 106 a and 106 b toward interior space114 of helmet 100. In some embodiments, a concavity is formed betweenthe external surface of section 106 a and the external surface ofsection 106 b when sections 106 a and 106 b are folded about first hinge158.

In some embodiments, helmet 100 includes a second hinge 160. In someembodiments, second hinge 160 may define an axis of rotation that is notparallel to the axis of rotation defined by first hinge 158. In someembodiments, second hinge 160 may define an axis of rotation that isperpendicular to or generally perpendicular to the axis of rotationdefined by first hinge 158. For example, in some embodiments, firsthinge 158 may define a generally vertical axis of rotation while secondhinge 160 defines a generally horizontal axis of rotation. In someembodiments, second hinge 160 may be separated from or spaced apart fromfirst hinge 158 such that, for example, second hinge 160 and first hinge158 do not form a continuous fold line. In some embodiments, secondhinge 160 is arranged to allow a second portion of helmet 100 to foldtowards the first folded portion of helmet 100. Where, for example, thefirst fold portion is or includes left portion 106 (or right portion108), the second portion may include front portion 102 and/or rearportion 104 according to some embodiments.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, second hinge 160 may bearranged along a top portion of helmet 100. In some embodiments, secondhinge 160 is located along a top portion of helmet 100 that is at orapproximately at a middle point between front portion 102 and rearportion 104. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 extends between leftportion 106 and right portion 108 and is positioned to allow frontportion 102 and rear portion 104 to pivot toward each other. In somesuch embodiments, as front portion 102 and rear portion 104 are pivotedabout second hinge 160, second hinge 160 does not move inwardly towardinterior space 114. Rather, in some embodiments, second hinge 160 maymove outwardly as front portion 102 and rear portion 104 are pivotedtoward each other about second hinge 160.

In some embodiments, helmet 100 includes a third hinge. The third hingemay be configured to allow a third portion of helmet 100 to foldinwardly toward and/or into interior space 114 according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, the third hinge may be symmetricallyarranged with respect to first hinge 158. For example, while in theillustrated embodiments left portion 106 of helmet 100 is depicted asthe first folded portion having first hinge 158, it should beappreciated that right portion 108 may also include a hinge that isconfigured to permit right portion 108 to fold similarly orsymmetrically to left portion 106. The third hinge, according to theseembodiments, may be extend from rim 116 between adjacent sections ofright portion 108 which are configured to pivot toward each other aboutthe third hinge. In some embodiments, the third hinge defines an axis ofrotation that may be vertical or generally vertical between adjacentsections of right portion 108. In some embodiments, the axis of rotationdefined by the third hinge may be parallel to or generally parallel tothe axis of rotation defined by first hinge 158. In some embodiments,the axis of rotation defined by the third hinge may be perpendicular toor generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by secondhinge 160. In some embodiments, the adjacent sections of right portion108 may be pivoted about the third hinge such that the external surfacesof the sections of right portion 108 face toward and/or contact eachother. As the sections of right portion 108 are folded toward each otherabout the third hinge, the third hinge may be configured to moveinwardly and draws the sections of third portion 106 toward interiorspace 114 of helmet 100. In some embodiments, a concavity is formedbetween the external surfaces of the sections of right portion 108 whenthe sections are folded about the third hinge. In some embodiments,first hinge 158 and the third hinge both move inwardly and toward eachother as helmet 100 is folded into the collapsed configuration. Infurther embodiments, the second portion of helmet 100 (e.g., frontportion 102 or rear portion 104), which is configured pivots aboutsecond hinge 160, is configured to move toward the first folded portion(e.g., left portion 106) and the third folded portion (e.g., rightportion 108) when helmet 100 is moved into the collapsed configuration.Helmet 100 may be unfolded from the collapsed configuration to returnhelmet 100 to the expanded configuration for use.

In some embodiments, the first hinge 158 and the third hinge areconfigured to allow opposing portions of helmet 100 to pivot towardseach other in the collapsed configuration (e.g., left portion 106 andright portion 108). In some embodiments, each of first hinge 158 and thethird hinge may be disposed between additional side hinges which areconfigured to help collapse helmet 100. The side hinges may be locatedat predetermined locations on shell 140. As further shown in FIGS.10-13, for example, first hinge 158 in some embodiments is positionedbetween a pair of additional side hinges 158 a, 158 b. In someembodiments, side hinge 158 a is positioned between front portion 102and first hinge 158, and side hinge 158 b is positioned between firsthinge 158 and rear portion 104. In some embodiments, side hinge 158 a ispositioned along a border between front portion 102 and left portion106, and side hinge 158 b is positioned along a border between rearportion 106 and left portion 106. In some embodiments, section 106 a ispositioned between side hinge 158 a and first hinge 158, and section 106b is positioned between side hinge 158 b and first hinge 158. In someembodiments, each of side hinges 158 a and 158 b define axis of rotationwhich may be parallel to or generally parallel to the axis of rotationdefined by first hinge 158. In some embodiments, side hinge 158 a isconfigured to permit section 106 a to pivot or fold relative to frontportion 102. In some embodiments, side hinge 158 b is configured topermit section 106 b to pivot or fold relative to rear portion 104. Insome such embodiments, sections of helmet 100 are configured to fold ina first direction about first hinge 158 (e.g., fold inwardly) whilefolding in a second, opposite direction about side hinges 158 a and 158b (e.g., fold outwardly) as illustrated. Thus, in some embodiments, leftportion 106 is configured to fold or collapse similar to a bellows oraccordion. Right portion 104 may be provided with the third hinge andside hinges in a similar configuration.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in certain embodiments helmet100 includes a securement 162 which is configured to maintain helmet 100in the collapsed configuration. In some such embodiments, securement 162includes a first component 162 a positioned at a first location onhelmet 100 and a second component 162 b positioned on a second locationon helmet 100, the first component 162 a configured to releasably secureto second component 162 b. In some embodiments, first and secondcomponents 162 a, 162 b of securement 162 may be fixed to cover 154. Inother embodiments, first and second components 162 a, 162 b ofsecurement 162 may be fixed to shell 140 and extend through cover 154.In some embodiments, the first component 162 a and second component 162b may be moved into proximity to each other when helmet 100 istransitioned into the collapsed configuration to allow first component162 a to engage with second component 162 b. In some embodiments, forexample, first component 162 a may be positioned at or proximate tofront portion 102 and second component 162 b may be positioned at orproximate to rear portion 104. In some embodiments, for example, firstcomponent 162 a may be positioned at or proximate to front rim section116 a and second component 162 b may be positioned at or proximate torear rim section 116 b. In some embodiments, first component 162 aincludes, for example, a loop (e.g., an elastic band) and secondcomponent 162 b includes a hook, peg, or cleat which is configured to bereceived within the loop. In other embodiments, first component 162 aand second component 162 b may form a hook-and-loop type fastener,magnetic fastener, snap fastener, or other reversible fastener which canbe engage or disengaged by hand without the need for or use ofadditional tools. In other embodiments, securement 162 includes a lockthat must be unlocked before helmet 100 may be unfolded from thecollapsed configuration to the expanded configuration for use.

The one or more hinges of helmet 100 (e.g., first hinge 158, secondhinge 160, etc.), may be provided on shell 140. In some embodiments, theone or more hinges of helmet 100 are flexure bearings included in shell140. In some embodiments, the one or more hinges of helmet 100 areliving hinges included in shell 140. In some embodiments, shell 140 maybe provided with one or more thinned sections, e.g., in the form ofgrooves along inner surface 144, which form the living hinges to allowportions of shell 140 to flex or bend along the thinned sections.Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, as shown in the illustrated embodiments,in some instances a plurality of grooves 164 are formed along innersurface 144 of shell 140 which have a reduced thickness in comparison toother portions of shell 140. It should be understood that the thicknessof groove 164 refers to the thickness of shell 140 at groove 164.Grooves 164 may be cut into inner surface 144 according to someembodiments. In other embodiments, grooves 164 are molded into innersurface 144. In some embodiments, shell 140 includes a plurality ofintersecting grooves 164, as illustrated, which forms a pattern offractal sections or facets 166 in between the grooves 164 which have athickness greater than grooves 164. In some embodiments, for example,shell 140 has a thickness of about 0.85 mm to about 1.5 mm at facets 166and a thickness of about 0.25 mm to about 0.50 mm at grooves 164. Insome embodiments, shell 140 has a thickness of about 0.90 mm to about1.10 mm at facets 166 and a thickness of about 0.30 mm to about 0.45 mmat grooves 164. In some embodiments, for example, shell 140 has athickness of about 0.95 mm to about 1.05 mm at facets 166 and athickness of about 0.35 mm to about 0.40 mm at grooves 164. In someembodiments, facets 166 are able flex or pivot about grooves 164 byvirtue of the reduced thickness of shell 140 at grooves 164. In someembodiments, grooves 164 allow portions of shell 140 to be at leastpartially flattened when helmet 100 is in the collapsed configuration.FIG. 13, for example, shows helmet 100 being further flattened accordingto some such embodiments. In some embodiments, grooves 164 are patternedsuch that all of or at least most of the facets 166 are each bounded byexactly three grooves 164. Thus, in some embodiments, each or most offacets 166 include three vertices and have a generally triangular shape,though other generally polygonal shapes are possible according to otherembodiments. Since inner surface 144 of shell 140 may be curved (e.g.,concavely curved), it should be appreciated that the generallytriangular or other generally polygonal shape used herein to describefacets 166 is intended to include triangular or other polygonal shapeson curved surfaces and not strictly planar triangles and polygons. Insome embodiments, grooves 144 and facets 166 have a symmetricalarrangement along inner surface 144, for example, bilateral symmetryabout a plane extending from front portion 102 to rear portion 106 whichbisects helmet 100.

In some embodiments, the one or more hinges of helmet 100 may be livinghinges formed along one or more of grooves 164. In some embodiments,first hinge 158, second hinge 160, and the third hinge described abovemay be formed in particular grooves which have a reduced thickness incomparison to other grooves 164. In some embodiments, providing grooveshaving thicknesses which are thinner than the other grooves 164 createszones of greater weakness at these thinner grooves which in turnfacilitates folding about these thinner grooves. In some embodiments,folding along the thinner grooves occurs before folding along the othergrooves 164 as helmet 100 is transitioned to the collapsedconfiguration. In some embodiments, for example, first hinge 158 isformed along groove 168 a and second hinge 160 is formed along groove168 b, shell 140 having a thickness at grooves 168 a and 168 b that isthinner than at grooves 164. Similarly, the third hinge, in someembodiments, may be formed along groove 168 c which is thinner thangrooves 164. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, groove 168 b may have athickness t1 and groove 164 may have a thickness t2, t2 being greaterthan t1. In some embodiments, for example, thickness t1 is less than0.38 mm (e.g., from about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm) while t2 is equal togreater than 0.38 mm. In some embodiments, grooves 168 a, 168 b, 168 care deeper grooves than the remainder of grooves 164. In someembodiments, groove 168 b is positioned between grooves 168 a and 168 c.In some embodiments, grooves 168 a and 168 c are positioned on left andright sides of shell 140, respectively. In some embodiments, groove 168a is symmetrically positioned with respect to groove 168 c. Grooves 168a, 168 b, 168 c, in some embodiments, may be positioned along a commonarc which extends from a left side of shell 140 (corresponding to leftportion 106) to a right side of shell 140 (corresponding to rightportion 108). In some embodiments, grooves 168 a, 168 b, 168 c arepositioned to align with gaps or spaces between pads 148 of impactattenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, groove 168 a is separatedfrom groove 168 b by a first opening 170 a in shell 140. Similarly, insome embodiments, groove 168 b may be separated by groove 168 c by asecond opening 170 b. Second opening 170 b may be symmetrically arrangedwith respect first opening 170 a according to some embodiments.Separating groove 168 a from groove 168 b and separating groove 168 bfrom groove 168 c, in some such embodiments, allows folding along groove168 b (e.g., second hinge 160) to be discontinuous from folding alonggroove 168 a (e.g., first hinge 158) and folding along groove 168 c(e.g. the third hinge).

In some embodiments, side hinges 158 a and 158 b may be living hingesprovided on shell 140 and formed along grooves which are positioned oneither side of groove 168 a. For example, side hinges 158 a and 158 bmay be formed along grooves 168 d and 168 e, respectively, as shown inFIG. 15. Grooves 168 d and 168 e may have the same thickness as grooves168 a, 168 b, and 168 c according to some embodiments. In otherembodiments, grooves 168 d, 168 e may have the same thickness as grooves164. In some embodiments, grooves 168 d, 168 e have a thickness that isless than the thickness of grooves 164 but greater than the thickness ofgrooves 168 a, 168 b, and 168 c. In some embodiments, first opening 170a may extend along the side of shell 140 between or from groove 168 d togroove 168 e. In some embodiments, one of pads 148 may be sized andconfigured to fit along inner surface 144 of shell 140 in the spacebordered by groove 168 a, groove 168 d, and first opening 170 a. In someembodiments, another one of pads 148 may be sized and configured to fitalong inner surface 144 of shell 140 in the space bordered by groove 168a, groove 168 e, and first opening 170 a. The opposing side of shell 140(e.g., the right side) may have symmetrically arranged grooves as 168 dand 168 e to define the side hinges about the third hinge. In furtherembodiments, each of first and second openings 170 a and 170 b extendalong the left and right sides of shell 140, respectively, and alsoprovide for ventilation to allow for heat and vapor to pass throughshell 140. In some embodiments, shell 140 may include one or moreadditional vent holes 172 positioned at other locations on shell 140(e.g. at the front or rear of shell 140). Openings 170 a, 170 b, and/or172 may be covered by cover 154, for example, to prevent rain or othermaterial from passing through the openings. In other embodiments, cover154 may include openings which align with openings 170 a, 170 b, and/or172.

In some embodiments, helmet 100 may be provided in a kit. In someembodiments, for example, a kit may include a shell 140, pads 148, atleast one cover 154, and at least one retention system 118. Thecomponents of helmet 100 may be included in the kit in preassembled formor as separate components. In further embodiments, a kit may include asingle shell 140 and more than one cover 154 and/or more than oneretention system 118. The kit, for example, may include multiple covers154 and/or retention systems 118 having different styles, patterns, orcolors. In other embodiments, covers 154 and/or retention systems 118may be offered individually or separately from shell 140. In someembodiments, a kit of the present invention may also include one or moreadditional pads 148 in case a user needs to replace a pad 148.

While embodiments of helmet 100 have been described herein in thecontext of use as a cycling helmet, it should be appreciated by thoseskilled the art that the present invention is not necessarily limited tosuch use. Embodiments of the helmet 100 according to the presentinvention may be used or adapted for other purposes where headprotection may be desired, for example, sporting activities (e.g.,animal riding, rock climbing, skiing, watersports, etc.), military orlaw enforcement use, construction, etc.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described, but it is intended to covermodifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplaryembodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and variousfeatures of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. It should also beapparent that individual elements identified herein as belonging to aparticular embodiment may be included in other embodiments of theinvention. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directionstoward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of thereferenced element. Moreover, unless specifically set forth herein, theterms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but insteadshould be read as meaning “at least one.”

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures anddescriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elementsthat are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion ofthe invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art,and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding ofthe invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do notrely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particularorder of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims.Unless the context or language dictates otherwise, any claims directedto the methods of the present invention should not be limited to theperformance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in theart can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remainwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet comprising: a concave interior surfaceforming an interior space configured to receive a person's head in anexpanded configuration; a shell surrounding the interior space, theshell including: a first hinge at a first predetermined location on theshell configured to allow a first portion of the helmet to pivot towardthe interior space in a collapsed configuration; and a second hinge at asecond predetermined location on the shell configured to allow a secondportion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portion of the helmet inthe collapsed configuration, a volume of the interior space of thehelmet in the collapsed configuration being less than a volume of theinterior space of the helmet in the expanded configuration.
 2. Thehelmet of claim 1, wherein the shell further includes a third hinge at athird predetermined location configured to allow a third portion of thehelmet to fold toward the interior space in the collapsed configuration,and wherein the second hinge is configured to allow the second portionof the helmet to pivot toward the first portion of the helmet and thethird portion of the helmet in the collapsed configuration.
 3. Thehelmet of claim 2, wherein the first and third hinges each have an axisof rotation generally parallel to one another and generallyperpendicular to an axis of rotation of the second hinge.
 4. The helmetof claim 3, wherein the second portion of the helmet includes a front ofthe helmet and/or a rear of the helmet, the first portion of the helmetis a first side of the helmet, and the third portion of the shell is asecond side of the helmet opposite the first side of the helmet.
 5. Thehelmet of claim 4 further comprising a securement configured toreleasably couple the front of the helmet to the rear of the helmet andretain the helmet in the collapsed configuration.
 6. The helmet of claim5, wherein the securement includes an elastic band.
 7. The helmet ofclaim 1, wherein the shell includes a plurality of grooves formed on aninner surface of the shell to form a plurality of facets, the facetsbeing partially pivotable relative to one another to allow the shell toat least partially flatten in the collapsed configuration.
 8. The helmetof claim 7, wherein the shell has a first thickness along the pluralityof grooves, and a second thickness at the plurality of facets, the firstthickness being less than the second thickness.
 9. The helmet of claim7, wherein the plurality of facets includes triangularly shaped facets.10. The helmet of claim 1 further comprising a retention systemcomprising one or more straps configured to secure the helmet to theperson's head.
 11. The helmet of claim 10, wherein each strap of theretention system is releasably coupled to a ring coupled to the helmet,each strap having an end which extends through the ring and is coupledto itself by a reversible fastener.
 12. The helmet of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of pads coupled to an inner surface of the shelland configured to absorb an impact force exerted to an exterior surfaceof the helmet.
 13. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the pads arecomprised of urethane.
 14. The helmet of claim 12 further comprising acover extending over an outer surface of the shell.
 15. The helmet ofclaim 14, wherein the cover extends over the shell and the plurality ofpads.
 16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the cover is comprised of afirst material covering the outer surface of the shell and a secondmaterial covering the plurality of pads.
 17. The helmet of claim 1further comprising one or more lights positioned on an exterior surfaceof the helmet.
 18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the one or morelights includes a light emitting diode.
 19. The helmet of claim 1,wherein the shell is comprised of a monolithic piece of molded plastic,the first and second hinges being formed from portions of the shellwhich are thinner than a remainder of the shell.
 20. A helmetcomprising: a shell having an inner surface forming a concave shapearound an interior space configured to receive a person's head in anexpanded configuration, the inner surface including a plurality ofgrooves intersecting one another to form a plurality of facet sections,the plurality of facet sections being pivotable relative to one another,a first groove of the plurality of grooves forming a first hingeconfigured to allow a first side portion of the helmet to pivot towardthe interior space in a collapsed configuration, a second groove of theplurality of grooves forming a second hinge configured to allow a secondside portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interior space, and athird groove of the plurality of grooves forming a third hingeconfigured to allow a front portion of the helmet to pivot toward a rearportion of the helmet to reduce a volume of the interior space in thecollapsed configuration, the first, second and third grooves extendingdeeper into the inner surface than the remainder of the plurality ofgrooves such that folding of the helmet occurs primarily about thefirst, second and third hinges; and a plurality of pads coupled to aninside surface of the shell and configured to absorb an impact forceexerted to an exterior surface of the shell.
 21. The helmet of claim 20further comprising a cover extending over and generally conforming tothe shape of the shell and the plurality of pads.
 22. A helmetcomprising: a shell having an inner surface forming a concave shapearound an interior space configured to receive a person's head, theshell being made from a high density polyethylene; and a plurality ofpads coupled to an inside surface of the shell and configured to absorban impact force exerted to an exterior surface of the shell, the padscomprising a urethane foam.
 23. The helmet of claim 22, wherein theshell consists of a monolithic piece of molded high densitypolyethylene.
 24. The helmet of claim 22, wherein the shell includes afirst hinge configured to allow a first portion of the helmet to pivottoward the interior space in a collapsed configuration.
 25. The helmetof claim 24, wherein the shell further includes a second hingeconfigured to allow a second portion of the helmet to pivot toward thefirst portion of the helmet in the collapsed configuration, a volume ofthe interior space of the helmet in the collapsed configuration beingless than a volume of the interior space of the helmet in the expandedconfiguration.
 26. The helmet of claim 22, wherein the shell includes aplurality of grooves formed on the inner surface of the shell to form aplurality of facets, the facets being partially pivotable relative toone another to allow the shell to at least partially flatten in acollapsed configuration.